Green Flash Brewing Company- West Coast IPA: California… knows how to party!

Green Flash Brews are like that crazy kid in high school. Everyone talks about him but you’re too much of a Nancy Boy to say hello. So many people have raved about this IPA that I was actually afraid to open it, let alone challenge it to punch me in the freakin’ liver. But finally there comes a time when you have to dust off your bloody knuckles (or liver) and give it your best shot.

Ok, Green Flash’s West Coast IPA lived up to its initial reputation. It pours the classic dark marigold/ polished brass hue of a traditional pale ale. However, you are not going to have much time to admire the color before the hop rush aroma uppercuts you in the nose. This heavy floral beast boasts an army of hops with a slight citrusy roundhouse. Damn, round one goes to West Coast.

The flavor delivers exactly what the aroma promises, a one-two combo of hops. This classic IPA packs 96 IBU’s and a legit 7.3% ABV. West Coast IPA is strong, bitter and damn near perfect. It finishes very dry and makes you want to come back again and again; maybe more of a dominatrix than a prize fighter really. I am not sure why this beer got me so fired up, but it just reminded me of the text book ass kicking my boy Suga Rashad Evans put on Rampage Jackson this weekend. I am just glad I wasn’t drinking this on fight night; God only knows where that night may have lead. I do know one thing however, I will be in San Diego for 10 days in July and I will be damned if I don’t drink a West Coast IPA from the tap while I am there. Count me KO’ed.

Jason's Note:  Green Flash Updated Their Website and It is Awesome, Check It Out!!

ABV: 7.3%

Consumed: Pint Glass

Verdict: Buy a Case!

Green Flash Brewing Company- West Coast IPA: A Nuclear Explosion Of Hoppy Goodness

One of my favorite places in these great United States is Southern California.  The sun, surf and sand make me sentimental for my days spent in SoCal.  Not that I got to enjoy much of any of those as most of my days were spent marching the parade deck of MCRD and humping the hills of Camp Pendleton in my quest to become a killing machine more commonly known as a United States Marine.  I think I would not be speaking out of turn if I said that there is nothing us jarheads love more than an ice cold beer.  With my love of southern Cali and beer, is it even possible that Green Flash Brewing Company’s West Coast IPA would not live up to expectations?  Let’s find out.

Green Flash Brewing Company classifies this beer as an India Pale Ale and their website describes West Coast IPA as, “This West Coast-Style India Pale Ale is extravagantly hopped, full flavored, medium bodied and copper colored. A menagerie of hops is combined throughout the brewing process to impart specific characteristics. Hops used include Simcoe for a unique fruitiness and grapefruit zest, Columbus for strong hop pungency, Centennial for pine and citrus notes, and Cascade for floral aroma.”

West Coast IPA pours a slightly hazy copper/orange color with a small ¼” off white head with very strong hop aromas and comes in at 7.3% ABV.

This wicked west coast offering is a hophead’s wet dream, a nuclear blast of hoppy goodness and sheer IPA perfection.  At 95 IBUs this bad boy will melt the eyebrows right off your face.  This brew boasts a piney start, continues with a malt/citrus middle and ends with a grapefruit/hop 1-2 bitter punch in the finish.  The label reads, “Fine Hand-Crafted Ales” and nothing could be more true as you can truly taste the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into making West Coast IPA.  Damn, this is a serious contender to quickly become my new favorite IPA.  I am off in a flash to stock up as this is one brew to keep on hand at all times.

Side Note:  For such an amazing beer, their website doesn't reflect the quality of their product.  My suggestion, get that site redesigned as soon as possible.

ABV: 7.3%

Consumed: New Belgium Globe Glass

Verdict: Buy A Keg